Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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MIXING NOZZLE FITMENT AND MIXED LIQUID DISPENSER
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure generally relates to beverage dispensing devices. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to mixing nozzle fitments for
dispensing beverages.
There are a variety of beverage dispensers currently on the market. Some
beverage
dispensers operate by dispensing a hot or cold ready-to-drink fluid directly
into a container such
as a cup. Other beverage dispensers operate by dispensing a powdered or liquid
concentrate
along with a separate diluent through a beverage dispensing nozzle and into a
container or cup
to form the drink.
The present invention relates to post-mix dispensers in which a liquid
concentrate is stored
and is automatically combined at the time of dispensing with a diluents such
as water at a
predetermined ratio. The combination is usually operated in a mixing chamber
in which the
concentrate and the diluents emerge. The relative flows of the concentrate and
diluent can be
controlled to maximize the qualities of the beverage such as mixing and foam
production. This
mixing chamber can be a mixing tee fitment such as described in WO 01/21292
and US
7,111,759. In these prior arts the mixing tee fitment comprises a horizontal
diluent inlet portion
joined to vertical beverage outlet portion by an elbow and a vertical
concentrate inlet emerging in
the horizontal diluent inlet portion.
It has been observed that the above type of fitment could lead to accumulation
of
concentrate in dead zones. This accumulation can lead to hygienic problems if
the beverage
concentrates are sensible to bacteria such as milk. This problem is emphasized
if the dispenser
is intermittently used. In addition the concentrate could also get into the
water inlet stream and
create problems from a hygienic point of view, especially since the water
inlet valve is part of the
machine and not easily cleanable.
The present invention aims at solving the hygiene issues relative to this kind
of mixing tee
fitment.
SUMMARY
In a first aspect the present disclosure relates to mixing nozzle fitments and
beverage
dispensing devices using the mixing nozzle fitments. In a general embodiment,
the mixing
nozzle fitment includes a first shaft defining an inlet passage, a second
shaft defining a curved
outlet passage and attached to the first shaft, and a coupling member attached
to the second
shaft. A flexible tube is attached to the coupling member. The coupling member
defines a
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passage that leads into the curved outlet passage of the second shaft. The
design of the mixing
nozzle fitment minimizes concentrate accumulation within the mixing nozzle
fitment to improve
the hygienicity of the mixing nozzle fitment.
In an embodiment, the second shaft is the shape of a curved horn.
In an embodiment, the second shaft is almost perpendicular to the first shaft
near its end
portion of the second shaft opposed to the attachment with the first shaft.
In an embodiment, the coupling member is positioned on the second shaft at a
location
ranging anywhere from a second end of the first shaft to about half way down
the second shaft.
In an embodiment, the second shaft includes a flange.
In an embodiment, the first shaft and/or the second shaft includes a textured
grip.
In an embodiment, the first shaft and/or the second shaft includes a
cylindrical shape.
In an embodiment, the first shaft includes a first end at its inlet and a
second end, and the
first end having a section that is smaller than the section of the second end.
In an embodiment, the second shaft includes a first end and a second end at
its outlet, and
the first end having a section that is smaller than the section of the second
end.
In an embodiment, a handle is attached to the second shaft.
In a specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides a mixing nozzle
fitment including
a first cylindrical shaft defining an inlet passage, a second cylindrical
shaft defining a curved
outlet passage and attached to the first shaft, a coupling member attached to
the second shaft, a
flexible tube attached to the coupling member and a handle attached to the
second shaft. The
coupling member defines a passage that leads into the curved outlet passage of
the second
shaft.
In an embodiment, the coupling member includes a one-way visco-elastic valve.
A so-
called one-way visco-elastic valve usually comprises a valve body
tFURGated Gone ,
said
fl-id delivery ports. ; the valve also comprises an elastomeric cylinder
having an internal
section smaller than the section of the valve body so that the elastomeric
cylinder is tightly fitted
over the valve seat. The dispensing with this sort of valve is
accomplished by exerting a pressure on the elastic cylinder through the fluid
dispensed by the
valve. This fluid can circulate either through an internal channel of the
valve body connected to
one or several fluid delivery ports, and then in the valve body internal
channel and delivery ports,
or between the valve body and the elastic cylinder. When the fluid pressure
exceeds the
pressure outside the valve, this pressure urges the elastic cylinder away from
the valve body
and let fluid flows. When the fluid pressure decreases, the pressure outside
the valve body
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exceeds the fluid pressure and the elastic cylinder is clamped tightly against
the valve body,
thereby preventing flow back through the valve. Consequently flow is only
permitted in one
direction.
According to a first mode this valve can comprise an expanded member and a
catch.
According to a second mode this valve can comprise a delivery block having an
input port
for receiving a fluid and an internal channel beginning at the input port and
terminating in at least
one output port, an elastomeric membrane for enveloping the delivery block
such that a portion
of the elastomeric membrane covers the output port and the downstream end of
the elastomeric
membrane forms the valve outlet. Such a valve is for example set forth in US
7,243,682 or US
5,836,484.
In an embodiment, a piercing fitment is included at the end of the flexible
tube opposed to
the coupling member.
In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a package a fluid
container and a
mixing nozzle fitment as defined above, wherein the fluid container is in
fluid communication with
the flexible tube of the mixing nozzle fitment.
In an embodiment the coupling member comprises a visco-elastic one-way valve
attached
to the second shaft and emerging into the curved outlet passage of the second
shaft.
According to a first mode this valve can comprise an expanded member and a
catch.
According to a second mode the visco-elastic one-way valve preferably
comprises a
delivery block having an input port for receiving a fluid and an internal
channel beginning at the
input port and terminating in at least one output port, an elastomeric
membrane for enveloping
the delivery block such that a portion of the elastomeric membrane covers the
output port and
the downstream end of the elastomeric membrane forms the valve outlet. This
kind of visco-
elastic one-way valve can be attached to the second shaft by a snap engagement
or by an
ultrasonic welding.
The container can be a flexible storing pouch.
The container can comprise multiple portions of a food or beverage fluid
concentrate. The
food or beverage concentrate can be selected in the list of coffee, tea, fruit
or vegetable juice,
milk, chocolate and combinations thereof.
The food or beverage fluid concentrate can be a microbiological sensitive
fluid.
The microbiological sensitive fluid is preferably a milk-based fluid.
The package is usually disposable.
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In an third aspect, the present disclosure provides a dispensing device
including :
- a mixing nozzle fitment as defined above positioned inside the dispensing
device so that the
first shaft is horizontal and the second shaft is almost vertical near its end
portion opposed to the
attachment with the first shaft ;
- a concentrate container attached to the end of the flexible tube of the
mixing nozzle fitment
opposed to the coupling member,
- a diluent dispensing nozzle removably attached to the first shaft of the
mixing nozzle fitment.
- a pump operatively connected to the flexible tube.
The tube can be removably attached to the coupling member depending on the
type of
coupling member of the mixing nozzle fitment.
The pump can be a peristaltic pump.
In an embodiment, the concentrate container, the tube, the pump, the diluent
dispenser
and a portion of the mixing nozzle fitment are contained within a housing.
The device can be encompassed in a refrigerated compartment in which at least
the
concentrate container is placed. Then the mixing nozzle can comprise a flange
on the second
shaft so as to isolate the refrigerated compartment from the rest of the
dispensing device. The
flange helps in energy conservation and keeps the refrigerated cabinet in a
cooler state.
The concentrate container can be attached to the free end of the flexible tube
of the mixing
nozzle fitment by a piercing fitment.
In a fourth aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of making a
beverage. The
method comprises providing a dispensing device as defined above and dispensing
portions of
concentrate through the mixing nozzle fitment of the package and a diluent
through the diluent
dispenser nozzle, the concentrate and the diluent being mixed in and dispensed
out of the
curved outlet passage of the mixing nozzle fitment to form the beverage.
Usually the diluent and the concentrate are delivered simultaneously.
In a preferred alternative, in a first step the diluent and the concentrate
are delivered
simultaneously, and in a second step, only diluent is delivered. During this
second step diluent
rinses the coupling member.
An advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved mixing nozzle
fitment.
Another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an improved
dispensing device.
Still another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a hygienic
mixing nozzle
fitment.
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Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide a mixing nozzle
fitment that
eliminates dead zones for product concentrates to collect in.
In addition, another advantage of the present disclosure is to provide an
improved method
of making a beverage.
Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent
from, the
following Detailed Description and the figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the mixing nozzle fitment
in an embodiment of
the present disclosure.
FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of the part of the mixing nozzle fitment shown
in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section view take along line III-III of the part of
the mixing nozzle fitment
shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 illustrates a mixing nozzle fitment in an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross section view of a dispensing device having a mixing
nozzle fitment in
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a mixing nozzle fitment in another
embodiment of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross section view of a package in an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 8a, 8b illustrate how the valve used in the embodiment of FIG.7 works.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure relates to mixing nozzle fitments and beverage
dispensing devices
using the mixing nozzle fitments. In alternative embodiments, the present
disclosure can provide
low cost and disposable mixing nozzle fitments for hygienic mixing and
delivery of beverage
products from concentrates in a dispensing system. The mixing nozzle fitments
can be used to
mix and dispense a diluent such as water and a beverage concentrate while
avoiding dead
zones in the mixing nozzle fitments where the beverage concentrate can
accumulate. Because
the mixing nozzle fitment can be disposed of when a depleted bag of
concentrate is thrown
away, the need for a dispensing system having an electrically operated mixing
bowl or mixing
chamber that requires specific cleaning-in-place or cleaning after disassembly
can be
eliminated.
In a general embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, a mixing nozzle fitment
includes a first
shaft 20 defining a first passage 22 and a second shaft 30 defining a second
curved passage 32
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and attached to the first shaft 20. Second shaft 20 further includes a
coupling member 40 and a
handle 50. First shaft 20 and coupling member 40 act as a fluid inlet and
second shaft 30 acts
as a fluid outlet.
In the illustrated embodiment, first shaft 20 has a cylindrical shape with a
first end 24 that
has a larger width or diameter than a second end 26 of first shaft 20.
Similarly, second shaft 30
has a cylindrical shape having an oval or elliptical cross-section with a
first end 34 that has a
larger width or diameter than a second end 36 of second shaft 30. Second end
26 of first shaft
20 is attached to second end 36 of second shaft 30 at joint 60.
The dimensions of mixing nozzle fitment 10 can be any suitable size. For
example, a key
diameter for mixing nozzle fitment 10 can be based on the interface of a water
valve it has to
mate with. Other dimensions of mixing nozzle fitment 10 can be based on
manufacturing ease.
In another embodiment, second shaft 30 can be designed to incorporate one or
more fins
(not shown) along its inner walls at an angle to enable better mixing of the
concentrate. In yet
another embodiment, second shaft 30 may be designed to incorporate a
circuitous path (e.g.
passage) such that the concentrate and diluent is mixed well by going through
a circular path
with a downward gradient through second shaft 30.
First shaft 20 and/or second shaft 30 can include various suitable
perimeter/cross-
sectional shapes such as, for example, polygonal, ellipsoidal, square, oval,
triangular, etc. In an
alternative embodiment, the opposing ends of first shaft 20 and second shaft
30 can have the
same width/diameter.
First shaft 20 is constructed and arranged to be removably attached to any
suitable diluent
dispensing nozzle or a bore of a diluent line from a dispensing device or
machine. For example,
first shaft 20 can surround an internal outlet of the diluent dispensing
nozzle, which can be firmly
fitted inside inlet passage 22 of first shaft 20. The diluent dispensing
nozzle should form a tight
seal with first shaft 20 to prevent any diluent from leaking at the connection
point between first
shaft 20 and the dispensing nozzle. As a result, the diluent will not
accumulate (e.g. in a dead
zone) in any part of inlet passage 22 of first shaft 20.
The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 shows that second shaft 30 has a
curved shape
(e.g. continuously bending line, without angles) from second end 36 to first
end 34, for example,
in the form of a curved horn. In this regard, second shaft 30 defines a flow
passage 32 that is
also curved (e.g. continuously bending line, without angles) from second end
36 to first end 34.
In addition, in an embodiment, second shaft 30 is designed so that the
internal width/diameter of
passage 32 steadily increases from second end 36 to first end 34.
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Coupling member 40 defines a passage 42 and is positioned downstream or below
joint 60
between second end 26 of first shaft 20 and second end 36 of second shaft 30.
Passage 42 of
coupling member 40 leads into flow passage 32 of second shaft 30. In this
manner, coupling
member 40 can act as a concentrate outlet for a concentrate to mix with a
diluent inside
passage 32.
Coupling member 40 can be positioned anywhere along second shaft 30 for
example, from
second end 26 of first shaft 20 to about half way down second shaft 30.
Generally, the higher
the inlet position of the concentrate inlet of coupling member 40, the better
it is for mixing. Also,
in an embodiment, the concentrate inlet should be positioned on the vertical
portion of mixing
nozzle fitment 10 such that the concentrate does not land onto a horizontal
portion of first shaft
20.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 and according to a first mode,
coupling member
40 includes an expanded member 44 and a catch 46. A tube 120 illustrated on
FIG. 4-5 is
attached at one end to the coupling member 40 by placing the end of the tube
over coupling
member 40. For example, the open end of the tube can be stretched and placed
over expanded
member 44 and catch 46 of coupling member 40. The publication WO 01/21292
illustrates the
use of this kind of coupling member. The other end of the tube 120 can be
attached to a
concentrate container.
Actually coupling member 40 is designed to be connected to a hose for
delivering a
product such as a concentrate. The hose usually is made of a flexible material
so that it can be
compressed by means of a pump device, which preferably is a hose pump and most
preferably
a peristaltic pump that is provided in a drink dispenser. The flexible
material of the hose also
allows it to resume its original shape after being compressed. Expanded member
44 can have a
larger width than the outer diameter of coupling member 40 and thus be
designed to ensure that
the hose is steadily attached thereto without hose clamps and similar.
Expanded member 44 can serve a check valve function when connected to such a
hose.
For instance, expanded member 44 closes the tube when the pump device does not
apply any
pressure on the tube. Expanded member 44 can also facilitate the handling of
the concentrate
during loading and unloading of the concentrate into the machine.
The check valve can be preferably operated in such way that it opens
automatically when
the pump device is operating and thereby increases the pressure in the hose
and closes
automatically when the pump device is disabled and the pressure thereby
decreases in the
hose. The pump device may be a peristaltic pump or a hose pump of another type
that does not
compress the hose when the hose is disabled. The hose is threaded over catch
46 and over
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expanded member 44 of coupling member 40. Accordingly, expanded member 44
expands the
flexible hose such that it engages expanded member 44 with a uniform pressure
therearound. In
this position and without any activation of the pump, the hose end is closed.
When the pump device starts to pump concentrate through the hose, a pressure
increase
occurs in the hose that is sufficient to expand the outer part of the hose
around expanded
member 44 such that the concentrate can flow around expanded member 44 and
then through
passage 42. When the pressure ceases, the outer part of the hose retracts
around expanded
member 44 and closes the hose, which thereby simply prevents concentrate from
unintentionally
dripping down into the device.
The configuration of mixing nozzle fitment 10 solves the problem of product
accumulation
in dead zones within passage 32 of mixing nozzle fitment 10. For example, the
curved horned
shape of second shaft 30 and passage 32 (outlet end) of mixing nozzle fitment
10 is designed to
minimize any beverage concentrate accumulation inside passage 32. In addition,
by having
concentrate outlet (passage 42) emerge in the diluent conduit (passage 32)
downstream of joint
60, when the diluent flow enters in contact with the concentrate, the diluent
presents a force
sufficient to drag along the concentrate emerging from the concentrate outlet.
As a result, no
concentrate accumulation is observed in the mixing nozzle fitment 10, which
maximizes the
hygienicity of mixing nozzle fitment 10.
In alternative embodiments, the mixing nozzle fitment can include any suitable
mechanism
for attaching to the diluent dispensing nozzle or the diluent line of a
dispensing device. For
example, the mixing nozzle fitment can include a twist-to-lock feature (e.g.
threading on the first
shaft) to engage and lock the mixing nozzle fitment to the diluent dispensing
nozzle or the
diluent line of the dispensing device. Alternatively, the mixing nozzle
fitment can include clamps
or snap fits that engage with the diluent dispensing nozzle or the diluent
line of the dispensing
device to lock the mixing nozzle fitment in place.
Second shaft 30 can include a flange 38. Flange 38 can be used as the border
when
mixing nozzle fitment 10 is used within a housing for a beverage dispenser.
For example, the
housing containing a beverage device can be opened (e.g. through a front panel
door) for
receiving the mixing nozzle fitment. When the housing is closed, the only
exposed portion of
mixing nozzle fitment 10 is a portion below flange 34.
Handle 50 can be any suitable shape that allows a user to securely hold mixing
nozzle
fitment 10. During use, handle 10 can be grasped by a user who is inserting
mixing nozzle
fitment 10 into a beverage dispensing device. Handle 50 can also be grasped
when removing
mixing nozzle fitment 10 from the beverage dispensing device.
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In an embodiment, the mixing nozzle fitment can be in the form of a single
unitary piece
(e.g. molded). Alternatively, the mixing nozzle fitment can be made from a
combination of
separately made pieces that are attached together via process known in the
art. It should be
appreciated that the components of the mixing nozzle fitment can be made from
any suitable
material such as, for example, metal, rigid plastics or polymers or
combinations thereof.
FIG.4 illustrates the complete mixing nozzle fitment with the tube 120
attached to the
coupling member 40. The end of the tube 120 opposed to the coupling member 40
comprises a
piercing fitment 121 to connect the mixing nozzle fitment to a concentrate
container. In practice,
this mixing nozzle fitment and the concentrate container can be provided to
the operator either
separated or fixed together. If the coupling member 40 comprises an expanded
member and a
catch as illustrated in FIG. 1-6, the mixing nozzle fitment and the
concentrate container are
preferably separately provided to the operator. Then the operator connects the
mixing nozzle
fitment of FIG. 4 to the concentrate container only when the assembly of the
mixing nozzle
fitment and the container must be loaded in the dispenser. The piercing is
usually made in a part
of the container dedicated to and presenting an interface port adapted to
receive the piercing
fitment. Once the concentrate container is empty the whole assembly of the
mixing nozzle
fitment and the concentrate container is disposed.
In an another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the present disclosure
provides a
dispensing device 100 including a concentrate container 110, a tube 120 having
a first end 122
that is attached to an outlet 112 of concentrate container 110 and a pump 130
operatively
connected to tube 120. Pump 130 can be, for example, a peristaltic pump that
pushes
concentrate from concentrate container 110 through tube 120 via a plurality of
rotating rollers.
Dispensing device 100 further includes a mixing nozzle fitment 140 including a
first shaft
142 defining a first passage 144 and a second shaft 146 defining a second
passage 148 and
attached to first shaft 142 (e.g. in an embodiment similar to that shown in
FIGS. 1-3). Second
shaft 146 includes a coupling member 150. Tube 120 can include an end portion
124 that can
be removably attached to coupling member 150 of mixing nozzle fitment 140, for
example, by
being stretched and placed over coupling member 150. The coupling member is
preferably a
visco-elactic valve either according to the first mode illustrated in FIG.1-6
or according to the
second mode illustrated in FIG.7-8.
First shaft 142 of mixing nozzle fitment 140 can be removably attached to a
diluent line or
diluent dispenser nozzle 170. Diluent dispenser nozzle 170 can be fluidly
connected to any
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suitable diluent reservoir and motor or pump (not shown) for driving the
diluent from the reservoir
through the diluent dispenser and subsequently through mixing nozzle fitment
140.
The mixing nozzle fitment is positioned in the dispensing device so that the
first shaft 142
attached to the diluent line is horizontal and the end portion 134 of the
second shaft 30 opposed
to the attachment with the first shaft 142 is almost vertical.
Concentrate container 110, tube 120, pump 130, diluent dispenser nozzle 170
and mixing
nozzle fitment 140 (or a portion thereof) can be contained within any suitable
housing 160. As
previously discussed, housing 160 containing the beverage device can be opened
(e.g. through
a front panel door) to receive removable mixing nozzle fitment 140. When
housing 160 is closed,
for example, the exposed part of mixing nozzle fitment 140 can be a portion
below a flange 138
of mixing nozzle fitment 140. Housing 160 can be constructed and arranged so
that mixing
nozzle fitment 140 dispenses the mixed concentrate and diluent directly into a
cup or container
180 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The housing 160 can also be a refrigerated
compartment that
isolates the concentrate container 110 from the ambient atmosphere to keep it
cold. The flange
138 can help in closing the passage at the bottom of the housing for
introducing the mixing
nozzle fitment and consequently in maintaining the refrigerated compartment
isolated from
ambient atmosphere and keeping it cold.
Mixing nozzle fitment 140 can seal tightly against diluent dispenser 150 and
be easily
locked into place. Mixing nozzle fitment 140 permits a supply of hot or cold
liquid such as water
to dilute and mix with stable, packaged liquid concentrates, and dispense into
cup 180. Mixing
nozzle fitment 140 provides a way to keep the liquid concentrate from
accumulating in any dead
zones, which may create sanitary issues (e.g. microbial or quality issues)
when the liquid
concentrate resides there over time while the beverage dispenser is not in
use.
In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the present disclosure
provides a mixing
nozzle fitment including a first elongated cylindrical shaft 220 defining a
first passage 222 and a
second cylindrical elongated shaft 230 defining a second passage (not shown)
and attached to
the first elongated cylindrical shaft 220. Second elongated cylindrical shaft
230 includes a
coupling member 240. Coupling member 240 can define a passage 242 and can
include an
expanded member 244 and a catch 246. Second elongated shaft 230 can further
include a
flange 234.
First elongated shaft 220 and/or second elongate shaft 230 can also include
one or more
textured grips 280. Textured grips 280 can be mounted on opposing sides of
first elongated
shaft 220 and/or second elongate shaft 230. During use, textured grips 220 can
be grasped by a
user who is inserting mixing nozzle fitment 210 into a beverage dispensing
device. Textured
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grips 220 can also be grasped when removing mixing nozzle fitment 210 from the
beverage
dispensing device.
In an alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the present disclosure
provides a
package 300 comprising a mixing nozzle fitment including a first elongated
cylindrical shaft 320
defining a first passage 322 and a second cylindrical elongated shaft 330
defining a second
passage and attached to the first elongated cylindrical shaft 320. Second
elongated cylindrical
shaft 330 includes a coupling member 340 that is a one-way visco-elastic valve
according to a
second mode of the invention. Except the coupling member, the mixing nozzle
fitment can
present all the same features as the one described in FIG. 1-6.
The valve used as a coupling member 340 is more precisely described with
reference to
FIG. 8a and 8b. The valve 440 comprises a delivery block 441 having an input
port 442 that is
connected to the flexible tube 120 for receiving the fluid exiting the tube.
The input port 442
opens into an internal channel 443 beginning in the input port and terminating
in at least one
output port 444. The valve comprises an elastomeric membrane 445 for
enveloping the delivery
block 441 so that a portion of said flexible elastomeric membrane covers the
output ports 444.
FIG. 8a illustrates the valve when it is closed, that is when the fluid inside
the channel 443
is not pressurized by a pump. In this configuration the elastomeric membrane
445 hermetically
closes the output ports 444.
FIG. 8b illustrates the valve when it is opened, that is when the fluid inside
the channel 443
is pressurized by the pump to move the elastomeric membrane 445 away from the
output ports
444. The fluid is then free to pass through the outlets ports 444 and
circulates between the
elastomeric membrane 445 and the delivery block 441 until. Preferably the
elastomeric
membrane 445 includes a protrusion 448 that can fit inside a groove 447 in the
external part of
the delivery block 441 to avoid the elastomeric membrane 445 sliding along the
delivery block
441.
In the package 300 of FIG. 7 the one-way visco-elastic valve is coupled to the
second
shaft 330 so that the valve outlet 446 emerges in the second shaft whereas the
input port 442 of
the valve is coupled to the flexible tube 120. The flexible tube 120 is also
connected to a fluid
concentrate container 310. This package 300 can be part of a dispensing device
such as
illustrated in FIG.5, the flexible tube being operatively connected with the
pumping means 130
and the first shaft of the mixing nozzle fitment being connected to the
diluent dispenser nozzle
170.
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Preferably the valve is positioned in the second shaft 330 so that the diluent
emerging
from the first shaft 320 flushes the outlet 446 of the valve to mix with the
concentrate and to
eliminate any concentrate residues at the end of the dispensing. Due to the
fact that the outlet
446 of the valve is hermetically closed when the pump is not active, no water
can rise in the
coupling during the rinsing while when the concentrate is dispensed the water
cannot rise since
the concentrate flows down from a higher pressure area to a lower pressure
area. Moreover no
water can stagnate in the coupling between two beverage or food preparation.
This embodiment
is particularly adapted for the intermittent delivery of beverage or food.
Further there is no
collection of diluted product trapped in the mixing zone of the nozzle.
The package preferably further includes a flange 338 and a handle 350
presenting the
same functions as for the precedent embodiment of the mixing nozzle fitment.
The one-way visco-elastic valve presents the advantage of providing an aseptic
dispensing of the concentrate. Its combination with the configuration of
mixing nozzle fitment 10
which solves the problem of product accumulation in dead zones within passage
322 provides a
very hygienic delivery of food and beverages particularly from microbiological
sensitive products.
Moreover due to the attachment of the one-way visco-elastic valve to the
second shaft,
said shaft acts as a protecting cover for the valve which cannot be touched by
the operator's
hands during placement in the dispenser.
The package presents also the advantage of enabling a very rapid and easy
loading of a
new concentrate container in the dispenser : the operator has just to connect
the diluent
dispensing nozzle to the first shaft of the mixing nozzle fitment and adjust
the flexible tube with
the pump device. Once the concentrate container is empty the whole assembly of
the package
can be disposed. The nozzle is also designed to handle both cold and hot water
mixing. Hot
water could also be used for rinsing to maintain hygienic requirements in cold
dispensing
applications.
In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of making
a
beverage. The method comprises providing a dispensing device such as described
above
including :
- a mixing nozzle fitment such as described above positioned inside the
dispensing device so
that the first shaft is horizontal and the second shaft is almost vertical
near its end portion
opposed to the attachment with the first shaft,
- a concentrate container attached to the end of the flexible tube of the
mixing nozzle fitment
opposed to the coupling member,
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- a diluent dispensing nozzle removably attached to the first shaft of the
mixing nozzle fitment
- a pump operatively connected to the flexible tube.
A concentrate is dispensed through the concentrate tube, and a diluent is
dispensed
through the diluent dispenser nozzle. The concentrate and the diluent are
mixed in and
dispensed out of the curved outlet passage of the mixing nozzle fitment to
form the beverage.
The diluent can be water. The concentrate can be in a suitable form such as a
paste, liquid
or a combination thereof. The concentrate can have any suitable flavor or
combination of flavors
as well.
According to a first mode the method can comprise the preliminary steps of
providing a
mixing nozzle fitment as defined above and attaching the flexible tube 120 to
a concentrate
container 110 and the first shaft 20 to the diluent dispenser nozzle.
According to a second mode the method can comprise the preliminary steps of
providing a
package as defined above and attaching the first shaft to the diluent
dispenser nozzle.
It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the
presently preferred
embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Such changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present subject
matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore
intended that such
changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.
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